Is Cagayan LP stalwart Mamba joining Duterte’s PDP-Laban?

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan– He was one of the staunchest allies of Liberal Party (LP) standard bearer Manuel Roxas II during the May 2016 elections, but Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba is reportedly jumping ship to Duterte’s ruling party PDP-LABAN.

In a press release, the Cagayan provincial government information office said Mamba will also take oath as new member, following the oath taking of some Cagayan mayors to PDP-Laban.

(It is expected that Governor Manuel Mamba will also join the PDP-Laban once he asked for permission from former President Benigno Aquino III of the Liberal Party.)

Mamba was also former LP congressman, Presidential Legislative Liaison Office chief of Aquino and the assigned LP chairman in Cagayan Valley region.

On Wednesday, October 5, Governor Mamba’s brother, Tuao town Mayor William Mamba took his oath before Senate President and PDP-Laban national chairman Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel II as new member of the party. William was also LP member last elections.

The mayors of Enrile, Camalaniugan, Penablanca, Rizal, Piat, Allacapan and Sto. Nino towns and all elected officials of Mamba’s hometown Tuao also took their oath with William.

Mamba’s information officer Rogie Sending confirmed to Rappler that all said mayors are now allies of the governor. During the election, only the mayors of Tuao and Sto Nino are allies with Mamba.

Sending also said that there will still be next batches of mayors from Cagayan to take oath as new members of PDP-Laban.